When attending college, there are so many choices to make, like choosing what classes to attend or how to decorate your dorm room. One of the most significant decisions to make is what clubs and organizations to join. For me, that was a daunting task. I already knew that I wanted to join clubs that pertained to my journalism major (shout out to my Her Campus Hampton University chapter), but something was missing. Community, a love for academic excellence, and a place where I could band together with other Black women. Before I knew it, I decided to apply for membership into the Gamma Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
For those who don’t know, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It’s the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American, college-educated women. The organization strives to “cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards; promote unity and friendship among college women; study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature; maintain a progressive interest in college life, but most of all: to be of service to all mankind.”
I was inspired to join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. by the women in my life. My grandmother was a member of the sorority, and my mother and her sister became members, too. Seeing them serve their communities motivated me to want to do the same in mine, and I knew that I had to join.
Throughout my college years, I attended events held by the Gorgeous and Talented Ladies of the Gamma Theta Chapter, my school’s undergraduate chapter. One difference between other sororities that are not a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (also referred to as the Divine Nine) is that when joining, you have to be as discreet as possible. That means not telling anyone that you’re interested in becoming a member. One of the reasons behind it is that at the end of the process of becoming a member, you will have a new member presentation (called probate) where you come out to your school, friends, and family sharing that you have joined this organization. You can attend various events to learn about each sorority, but do your best to move in silence so as not to draw attention, and when you finally reveal which sorority you were accepted into, the surprise is that much sweeter.
After being virtual for a year and a half due to the pandemic, I finally returned to campus for my senior year. When my chapter had announced the start of their official rush, I found myself applying for membership during the fall semester. I can still recall the day I found out that I was accepted. I was completely elated, and I remember celebrating with my mom and hearing the pride in her voice that I was about to be a member of her sorority. My whole process of becoming a member seems like a blur, but I’ll always cherish every single moment of joining.
Joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during college was the best decision I ever made. Why? Well simply because of three things: Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service to all Mankind.
Although I already have a biological sister, being a part of this particular sorority allowed me to gain 103 sorority sisters on campus to bond with for a lifetime. Something I love about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is that even after you graduate, you are a member for a lifetime. Being in this sorority means being committed for a lifetime, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of women to grow alongside forever. I’ve celebrated, mourned, and laughed with my sisters, and have grown very close with a lot of them. Some of us have known each other since we stepped foot on campus, but we became even closer when we joined the sorority. I can recall the many times I’ve cheered on sisters who’ve competed in pageants and sporting events, and I’ve loved celebrating everyone’s achievements in life and academics.
I felt at peace joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. knowing that I would be amongst strong academic students who understood the importance of education, and were capable of balancing their academic life and social life. It’s one thing to be a part of a sorority, but to be in one where academics are held to a high standard is special. Many of my sisters hold high positions in their academic and honors organizations, many of which require a high GPA. Those who have graduated from my college’s chapter have gone on to pursue careers, graduate school, doctoral programs, and more.
Being in this organization provides me with a sense of unity, and it fills me with pride when we come together as Black women to serve our community. One of my favorite community service projects with my sorority was when we held a bike book drive for a local school. We all gathered together to cheer children and their parents as they rode towards car trunks filled to the brim with donated books. I also loved the events we hosted for the students on campus, from educational panels and workshops to interactive events, like historic trivia games and paint nights.
I could go on and on about all of the memories I made during my time as an undergraduate member, but even though I was only a part of it for a year, I have a lifetime to look forward to with members of the sorority worldwide. Being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is an honor and a privilege, and I don’t regret joining in college. I’m so grateful to be a part of an organization where I can grow personally and professionally while providing “Service to All Mankind.”